The LAIR at East Texas A&M
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Incorporating Media Coverage and the Impact of Geopolitical Events for Stock Market Predictions with Machine Learning
No full textThis paper explores the impact of the Israel–Palestine conflict on the stock performance of U.S. companies and their public positions on the conflict. In an era where corporate positions on geopolitical issues are increasingly scrutinized, understanding the market implications of such statements is critical. This research aims to capture the complex, non-linear relationships between corporate actions, media coverage, and financial outcomes by integrating traditional statistical techniques with advanced machine learning models. To achieve this, we constructed a novel dataset combining public corporate announcements, media sentiment (including headline and article body tone), and philanthropic activities. Using both classification and regression models, we predicted whether companies had affiliations with Israel and then analyzed how these affiliations, combined with other features, affected their stock returns over a 30-day period. Among the models tested, ensemble learning methods such as stacking and boosting achieved the highest classification accuracy, while a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) model proved most effective in forecasting abnormal stock returns. Our findings highlight the growing relevance of machine learning in financial forecasting, particularly in contexts shaped by geopolitical dynamics and public discourse. By demonstrating how sentiment and corporate stance influence investor behavior, this research offers valuable insights for investors, analysts, and corporate decision-makers navigating sensitive political landscapes
Texas Principals’ Perceptions of T-TESS Appraiser Preparedness Related to Self-Efficacy: An Interpretive Qualitative Study
No full textThis interpretive qualitative study explored principals’ perceptions of their role as appraisers within the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System and how they developed self-efficacy in that role. Grounded in Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, the study examined how principals grow in their capacity to evaluate instruction and support teacher development. Participants included eight principals from a large suburban Title I district in North Texas who took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five central themes: supporting teacher growth, reinforcing rubric clarity, engaging in professional learning, improving evaluation practices, and building instructional awareness. Although their growth required individual initiative, it was also influenced by consistent district systems. Findings suggest that incorporating the four sources of self-efficacy into leadership development can strengthen appraiser effectiveness. This study offers insight for school districts aiming to enhance instructional leadership through meaningful support for principals in their evaluator role
Evaluating Herbaceous Perennials for Landscape Performance Under Deficit Irrigation and the Effect on Pollinator Behavior in North-Central Texas
No full textUrban landscapes in northcentral Texas are increasingly challenged by population growth, urbanization, and limited water resources. This study evaluated eleven herbaceous perennial species for growth, drought tolerance, and attractiveness to pollinators. Twelve experimental beds were established in full sunlight conditions, each equipped with a spray irrigation system delivering varying levels of water based on evapotranspiration rates (ET0). Weekly plant assessments measured, leaf chlorophyll content with a SPAD meter, stomatal conductance (gs) and photosystem II (ΦPSII). Bloom number and landscape performance were recorded to determine plant performance under different water regimes. Pollinator observations focused on the presence of honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other important taxa. Results emphasize the value of selecting drought tolerant, pollinator-friendly species to enhance urban sustainability. The top five ornamental plants were found to be S. farinacea ‘Henry Duelberg’, Conoclinum Coelestinum, S. farinacea ‘Augusta Duelberg’, Salvia yangii, and Salvia × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’. These species were visually appealing, attracted a wide range of pollinators, and maintained high flower production at an irrigation rate of ET0 0.0. Findings support integrating these resilient perennials into north Texas urban landscaping to reduce water use while improving ecological value. Selecting species that support pollinators and thrive in low water environments can help mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization and climate variability, ultimately promoting more sustainable and biodiverse urban spaces in water limited regions like north central Texas
Erasure: Anti-Black/Trans Public Health Rhetoric
No full textMy dissertation is a rhetorical proclamation of health as a human right. An ode, explanation, and professional critique of the biased treatment towards Black transwomen and their bodies. This research serves as an examination of public health anti-Black/trans rhetoric and the negative intersectional impacts on Black transwomen. Subsequently, I’ve demonstrated examples of community responses (e.g., fem-queen realness) as not only a central concept but rhetorical marriage of what Frantz Fanon suggests as “conjuring black being in response to whiteness” (82–83) coupled with adapting gender performance. This rhetorical performance raises awareness on how Black transwomen conceptualize remedies for survival in response to social and systematic stigma. I performed this examination through qualitative semi-structured interviewing and textual analysis of public health HIV prevention and care artifacts. In tandem, I supported this research with the adjacent, but uniquely important, disciplinary intersections of gender studies, sociology, psychology, behavior, and public health studies. I explored ballroom community critique and dialogue of health and social systems through the lens of Critical Race Theory informed counterstory as a methodology (Martinez), with deep influences from Black trans and queer feminism. My major claim was that public health rhetoric has contributed to the erasure of Black transwomen. To prove this, I examined “stigmatic tools” used in HIV prevention, care programs, and public health initiatives that explicitly outlined, almost exclusively, the risk factors for cis-men who identified as men who sleep with men (MSM). This is dually characterized by absent and stigmatic language unsupportive of Black transwomen and the world’s labeling of AIDS as a “gay man’s disease” which greatly contributed to results specific to increased HIV transmission rates, AIDS diagnoses, and disproportionately negative health outcomes with Black transwomen (see Chapter 2). To counter these erasures, in this dissertation, I outlined the history of HIV prevention and care programs domestically (i.e., in the United States) as well as cultural and rhetorical examples of realness and passability through an examination of Black transwomen in the underground house/ballroom culture. Importantly, I brought the voices and counterstories of Black transwomen into this project to uplift their experiences, illustrate their negative encounters with HIV prevention and care programs, and demonstrate how those experiences support the claim of public health creating pathways to erasure through negative and absent health outcomes. Keywords: counterstory, house and ballroom, fem-queen realness, public health, HIV/AIDS, stigma, erasure, queer theory, queer rhetoric, Black trans-feminis
Do Super Shoes Improve Drop Jump Performance?
No full textSuper shoes are responsible for the astonishing improvements in marathon times; however, it is unknown whether they can also aid athletes when it comes to jumping performance. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate if super shoes improve jump performance in athletes in comparison with regular athletic shoes, as measured by vertical jump height and torque during a drop jump maneuver. In addition, the study investigated if there were differences in kinetic and kinematic variables during jumping between shoes, as measured by torque production at the hip, knees, and ankles during takeoff
Teaching Psychomotor Skills in Nursing: Evaluating the Difference Between Online and Face-to-Face Instruction
No full textPsychomotor skills are an integral part of nursing education. Instruction of psychomotor nursing skills is traditionally a labor intensive done in a classroom or laboratory setting with faculty providing instruction, demonstration, and observation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability to acquire psychomotor skills using online resources with modular skills trainers compared to face-to-face instruction. The study used a quantitative true experimental research design. The quantitative data were gathered from undergraduate nursing students evaluating their ability to successfully initiate peripheral vascular access. Although the sample size was small (n = 31), the results showed no statistical difference in the student’s ability between the traditional method of teaching psychomotor skills training and remote, self-directed training and practice
Parent Perceptions of a Family Literacy Program
No full textFamily literacy programs foster and promote family literacy practices that include “a wide range of formal and informal oral language, reading, and writing activities that can occur with multiple caregivers across a variety of settings” (Miller & Khatib, 2023, p. 586). Given the emphasis Olive ISD and BD Elementary placed on family and student engagement, this study was particularly interested in investigating our efforts through interviews to further understand parent perception of ‘Learning as a Family’ a family literacy program offered by myself and a pre-kindergarten colleague. The parent perceptions informed us as to how we can create a program that is effective for the families served. Moll and colleagues (1992) developed the concept of funds of knowledge as innovative; they believed it held a special relevance to teaching. Funds of knowledge described the unique types of knowledge of families and households. Moll et al. (1990) recognized the literacy practices of different cultures such as folkloric displays, storytelling, arts, crafts, and dance performances. Family literacy program planners need to explore families’ literacy practices and acknowledge with open minds the push for literacy that are manifested in dramatically different ways in different cultures (Janes & Kermani, 2001). Using the concept funds of knowledge, this study explored the specific funds of knowledge of the families being served in this family literacy program. The findings of this study supported the efforts families put forth in their household to support literacy acquisition. The participants of the study engaged in literacy through language practices, school engagement, and family values. The barriers that hindered parent participation were explored, their daily schedules, parenting styles and social comforts. The perspective on these barriers then shifted towards opportunities for growth, finding opportunities to foster greater connections with the families served, increasing the modes of communication, and shifting the teacher and personnel mindset to that of creating relationships and connections before trying to actively engage in student growth and support. The study calls for an active shift in the program implementation towards creating greater connections, communication, and growth with a focus on understanding the daily schedules families navigate, the diverse parenting styles we serve, and the levels of social comfort families face when attending family literacy programs. Keywords: Parent engagement, funds of knowledge, family literacy programs
Identity and Math Achievement in African American Male Secondary School Students in STEM Programs
No full textUnderstanding African American students’ development of mathematics identities may benefit programs designed to help them enroll and succeed in STEM programs because the percentage of African American males who choose to participate in mathematics education is very low. This review presents the scholarly literature on how African American students in STEM programs develop their STEM and mathematics identities. First the paper contains introductory information and background on this topic. Next the paper presents empirical research designed to examine the root of the STEM math problem faced by African American students, including their academic considerations, challenges, and strengths. The paper follows with a discussion on the ways educators have identified opportunities to mediate these issues, which have to date been ineffective in changing the trajectory for these students. The paper concludes with a synthesis of the noted literature
Raw Milk for Retail: Producer, Consumer, and Veterinarian Perspectives
No full textThis study examines producers’, consumers’ and veterinarians’ attitudes and beliefs about raw milk consumption in Texas, as well as perceived benefits and risks associated with consuming raw milk. It is a qualitative multiple-case study approach using interviews with these individuals to collect data. The objectives of this study will be to identify Texas producers of raw milk for retail, as well as one or more of their customers, the primary care veterinarian for each producer selected for this study, and identify the motivations, concerns, and assurances associated with the production and consumption of raw milk for retail in Texas. There was a total of ten participants in this study. There were four producers, four consumers, and two veterinarians. This study has revealed the importance producers place on the health and maintenance of their herd, how consumers emphasize the importance of having a relationship with their producers, and how veterinarians emphasize the importance of testing and vaccinating raw milk for retail cows
How Military Leadership Experience Relates to Successful Higher Education Leadership
No full textThe purpose of this study was to identify how military leadership relates to successful higher education leadership. Leaders in higher education must be prepared to address the needs of their institutions and shareholders effectively. A thorough review of the literature revealed that experienced former military leaders are frequently overlooked as leadership candidates in higher education. This study explored how the leadership training and skills of military leaders are appropriate and relevant to leadership positions in higher education institutions. Three main research questions were examined during the study: (1) How do former military leaders describe the relationship of their previous military experiences to successful higher education leadership? (2) How do previous military training, knowledge, and experience allow former military leaders to relate to leadership roles in higher education? (3) How do previous leadership knowledge and experience in the military translate to comparable effective leadership approaches in higher education? The sample consisted of 10 military veterans from branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who were currently serving, or had previously served, in leadership roles at higher education institutions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. 5 Thematic analysis revealed military leadership training improved participants’ perceived ability to serve as higher education leaders. Findings emphasize the value of past military leadership for higher education leadership role